James Bond Dev reacts to GTA 6 delay and explains why the game is good for the industry

Hitman developer IO Interactive has launched a new game –007: First light— Released in March 2026, comments on Rockstar's decision to postpone grand theft auto 6 From May 2026 to November 2026.

IO CEO Hakan Abrak was asked GI.biz If he's happy that “GTA 6” is getting further and further away from “007: Dawn”. When talking about the release window of “007: Dawn of Dawn”, he said: “It would be a lie if I didn't say that 'Spring' looks really good.”

The game was released on March 27, about two months before GTA 6's May 26 release date, before Rockstar delayed the game to November 19, 2026.

While Ablak may be relieved by the gap between Dawn and Grand Theft Auto 6, he said that “Grand Theft Auto 6 is a welcome thing for the industry.” He said that's because Grand Theft Auto 6 can help bring back lost gamers, thereby helping to lift the industry as a whole.

“I do believe that a lot of gamers who maybe haven't played in a while are going to get back into gaming, and for the industry as a whole, I think it's going to be amazing,” he said.

Grand Theft Auto 6 is expected to be a huge success, and some estimates say it could be a huge success 40 million copies sold in the first year alone, generating over $3 billion in revenue. Prior to this, Ubisoft boss Yves Guillemot also said similar things He is not afraid of GTA 6 Because this game will be like a rising tide lifting all boats. However, not everyone is so optimistic. Industry expert Joost van Dreunen says “childish” Thinking that a major release like GTA 6 will help solve industry problems. “No,” he said.

007: First Light Completed

Also in the interview, Ablak confirmed that Dawn of Day is “complete” and can now be played from start to finish. The team is now spending time polishing the experience and fixing bugs. “The whole game is done. It's been a long journey – almost six years – but I'm very proud that we're here,” he said.

The executive also confirmed that IO is relying solely on the success of the Hitman franchise to fund Dawn of Dawn, rather than accepting outside funding. However, the studio is working with 007's rights holders on the project, but apparently not for funding purposes.

IO is also working on a new multiplayer fantasy game, and Abrak teased that IO is “working with some partners” on the game, regardless of the outcome. “But James Bond is entirely funded by us. We're completely independent,” he said.